117: Questioning Everything and Chasing Shiny Objects
When was the last time you paused to ask, "Why am I doing this?"
This week on the Big Brave Business podcast, I spoke with Deb Podlogar (The Mocktail Mom) about something we all struggle with as entrepreneurs: questioning our current direction while fighting the pull of shiny object syndrome.
Deb's journey represents a powerful business transformation. What began as simply "taking a break from alcohol" in 2021 evolved into what she calls a "mocktail empire" – complete with a book, membership, summit, podcast, and thriving social media community. Yet despite this success, Deb found herself at a crossroads, questioning whether her current business offerings still aligned with her evolving self.
This conversation challenges one of entrepreneurship's most persistent myths: that consistency above all else equals success. While there's value in staying focused, rigid adherence to initial business plans can become a limitation rather than a strength.
Meet Deb:
Deb Podlogar, widely known as Mocktail Mom®️, embarked on a transformative journey when she chose to part ways with Chardonnay. This decision led her to discover a variety of delicious, alcohol-free beverages. Deb resides near Louisville, KY, is married, and is the proud mother of two daughters, Hannah (22) and Lily (17).
Throughout her 40s, Deb faced a series of significant challenges, including her eldest daughter's critical illness, a divorce, breast cancer, a double mastectomy, and the loss of both parents to dementia. During these tumultuous years, wine became a comforting companion. However, she realized that while alcohol was numbing her pain, it was also diminishing the joy in her life. Approaching her 50th birthday, Deb decided it was time for a change and stopped drinking on December 31, 2020. Initially aiming to moderate her intake, she discovered that she felt remarkably better without alcohol and embraced sobriety.
Just ten days into her alcohol-free journey, Deb launched her Instagram account to inspire others to seek alternatives to alcohol. Breaking up with booze has proven to be one of her best decisions ever.
Deb hosts the "Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom" podcast and runs a membership program for women looking to connect online over mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. She also organizes The Mocktail Summit, a global online event in January designed to educate and support those interested in alcohol-free options.
Deb's recipe book, The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In, is out now and has been enjoyed by thousands of people looking for easy recipes to make at home.
Follow Deb on Instagram for recipes, tips, tricks, and menopause-related fun: @Mocktail.Mom. For more information, visit her website at MocktailMom.com.
About Sarah:
Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.
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